"Drive her to Niniltna," Jim said, "and get her on the first plane out of here."

"What?" Dandy said, startled. "You're not taking her in?"

"This didn't happen that long ago, Dandy. I might be able to catch whoever did this."

Dandy looked at the ranger. "Yeah, but Jim—"

Dan looked immensely relieved. Jim didn't have the time, or rather, Ruthe didn't, but he had to ask. "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to ask Dina and Ruthe for help keeping my job," Dan said, nodding at the second snow machine pulled to one side of the yard. "I found them like you saw them. And before you ask, no, I didn't see anyone or hear anything."

"Where'd you get the bruises?"

The ranger looked at Dandy. "I was headed for the door to go for help when this guy barged in." He touched his forehead and winced. "The door caught me in the head and knocked me down. I guess I was out for a while, because next thing I know, you're here."

Jim looked at him. Dan met his eyes without evasion. "What else?"

"Nothing." Dan looked startled. "There isn't anything else."

Time to fish or cut bait. Jim had known Dan O'Brian for fifteen years, and barring the importation of a bottle of blackberry brandy into a dry village for the purposes of stewing up a mess of mallards, the ranger had a crime-free record. He had wanted Dina and Ruthe's help, which eliminated a motive for murder, at least on the face of it. There was no time to waste. Jim made up his mind. "Dan, you ride in the back. Keep her as still as you can."

"What?" Dandy said.

"If she shows blood from the nose or mouth, roll her to one side, but only if she shows the blood."

"Jim—" Dandy said.

Jim turned to Dandy and said, "When you get to the strip, commandeer the first plane out. Get her to Ahtna as fast as you can."

"George was there an—" Dandy looked at his watch "Jesus, was it only fifty minutes ago? He just brought the mail in from Ahtna. That's why I was here—I was bringing them their mail, like I do." Dandy looked down at Ruthe. He might have been about to cry. "It's usually good for a piece of Ruthe's pie."

"Was he turning it around?" At Dandy's blank look, Jim reined in his impatience. "George. Was he turning the plane around for a return trip?"

"I don't know."

"Doesn't matter. Like I said, commandeer the first plane you see and get Ruthe to the hospital in Ahtna. If there isn't a plane there, call the post in Tok. The dispatcher'll know what to do. I'm trying to remember who's on the Niniltna ERT team."

"Uh, the Grosdidier brothers, they live closest to the airstrip."

"Good. Make someone go get 'em if you have to wait for a plane. Don't let her get cold." Jim went to the driver's seat. Billy's new car had come loaded; he turned on the rear heaters full blast. "Get going."